Pakahome

ABSTRACT

A unit adapted to be carried on top of a vehicle, and which can be opened up upon arrival at a stopping place on a journey, and converted to a full enclosure for the carrying vehicle, or to a safe and private quarters for one or more persons, for sleeping, eating or other activities.

United States Patent Greenhalgh [15] 3,656,724 [451 Apr. 18', 1972 54] PAKAHOME [72] Inventor: William Greenhalgh, PO. Box 521,

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: June 5, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 43,722

[52] U.S. Cl. ..296/23 R, 296/27 51 Im. Cl ..B60p 3/34 [58] Field of Search .;.296/23, 23 MC, 27

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,245,465 6/1941 Cole ...296/23X 3,289,684 12/1966 Lowe ..296/23X 3,111,955 11/1963 Green ..296/23X 3,521,926 7/ 1970 Brewin ..296/27 Primary Examiner-Philip Goodman Attorney-Lawrence 1. Field [57] ABSTRACT A unit adapted to be carried on top of a vehicle, and which can be opened up upon arrival at a stopping place on a journey, and converted to a full enclosure for the carrying vehicle, or to a safe and private quarters for one or more persons, for sleeping, eating or other activities.

5 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 3, 656,724

INVEN'IOR William Greenhalgh BY fid/em y (jail-4,17

ATTORNEY PATENTEUAPR 18 1912 I 3. 656. 724- snm z BF 3 INVENTOR William Greenholqh ATTORNEY INVENTOR William Greenhalgh ATTORNEY PAKAHOME With the tremendous increase'in leisure time and the increase in the number of families which engage in camping as a form of recreation, an increasingly common sight on the highways has been the conventional towed camper, coupled to the family car and transported from campsite to campsite. When packed, the towed vehicle is usually sufiiciently heavy to constitute a severe load on the engine of the towing vehicle. Furthermore, because it extends the overall length of the vehicle, it constitutes a source of anxiety to the driver unless he is thoroughly experienced in driving a towed vehicle. In addition, the separately towed camper is expensive and cannot be trailed into many places accessible to the towing vehicle carrying the present invention.

One object of the invention is to provide a cabin or enclosure in compacted form, adapted to be carried on top of the family car and transported by the family car or other shipping means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a quickly erected cover for the carrying vehicle which may serve as a garage and which can be quickly dismantled and repacked for reuse, without disturbing the compacted carbin carried on the car.

A further object is to provide a rigid enclosure which affords secure protection to a camping party once it has been erected.

A further object is to provide a quick garage or camouflage shelter for the carrying vehicle.

Another objective is to make a quick private shelter or sleeping accomodation from the carrying vehicle, using the car seats as beds with the availability of other vehicle facilites such as light, heat and radio.

Still another objective is to provide the same sleeping accomodation as above plus an extra dressing space on each side of the vehicle for people.

And yet another objective is to provide a rigid cabin that is not a tent that will give full secure protection from the elements and prowlers.

Still another objectiveis to make a large area of roofed in accomodation that will be useful for relaxing, picnics, or for any other purpose where curtain walls or roof protection will be of value.

All of the above to be packed along with the vehicle without the problems caused by pulling trailers or the like. Additionally, they can be shipped and placed side by side in any direction if the means to place them and transport them is sufficient.

Another object is to provide means which are quickly and easily erected to provide sleeping and living quarters for the occupants of the car upon arrival at a stopping place.

Still another object is to provide a readily erected enclosure which can be raised to clear the vehicle on which it was transported and which is provided with curtains adapted to serve as walls, thereby creating a private shelter accommodating several persons in a very short interval of time.

Still another object is to provide a transportable motel room or cabin, which when dismantled is easily stored on top of a motor vehicle when being moved from place to place and which is easily and quickly erected upon arrival at a destination to provide a rigid secure protective shelter.

Still another object is to provide a structure which can be readily extended to provide additional area under roof, by use of the sidewalls as an extension of the roof.

These and other objects will be made apparent in the description which follows.

The invention will be understood from the description which follows taken with the accompanying drawings in which FIG. I is a view showing the compacted structure mounted on a vehicle for transportation to a site of use;

FIG. 2 is a view of the structure of FIG. I seen from the right hand end of the figure, showing that the rear window and trunk are not covered;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a frame adapted to rest on top of the vehicle;

FIG. 3A is a view taken on plane 3A-3A of FIG. 3 showing a detail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a view taken on plane 33-38 of FIG. 3 showing another detail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the cabin erected after lowering of the sides has been completed;

FIG. 5 is a view showing erection of the cabin of FIG. 4 as the sides and two half floors are being lowered;

FIG. 6 is a view in section showing the cabin with the sides and floor folded under the roof and with curtains nested in the ends, as it is transported, there being at least one wall with a door and one wall with a window;

FIG. 7 is'a view showing a portion of a support used when transporting the structure;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing the positions of the compacted cabin during transportation and after it has been rotated to the usual service position;

FIG. 9 is a view partly in section showing the relation of the frame of FIG. 3 to the cabin and to the vehicle;

FIG. 10 shows the vehicle enclosed inside curtains without disturbing the compacted cabin itself;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view showing one mode of mounting curtains to provide privacy when the car is covered;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view illustrating a hinge construction useful in the connecting of the panels of the present shelter, and for interchanging and adjusting of the panels; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view in perspective of a completely expanded unit.

As shown in FIG. 6, the compacted cabin 10 includes a roof 12 wherein the sides are confined during shipping or transportation of the cabin. Roof shell 12 may be 6 to 8 inches deep, and is adapted to contain the four sidewalls, each approximately 1 inch thick including insulation, nested therein, in sequence, as hereinafter described.

When transported on an automobile, as shown in FIG. 1, roof 12 is supported on the vehicle 14 by a frame 20 shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, and by support tubes 16, located near the end of each side of roof l2. Rods 18 are telescopically received in tubes 16. The pair of rods 18 at the rear of vehicle 14 are connected to each other by a crossbar 24, and the pair of rods 18 at the front of vehicle 14 are connected by a similar crossbar (not shown). Braces 26 further serve to strengthen the support for cabin l0. Rods 18 are telescopically received in a socket 30 on brackets 28 (FIG. 7) which also support casters 32. Bracket 28 includes a horizontal leg 34 which rests on either the front bumper 36 or the rear bumper 38 of vehicle 14. Bracket 28 is, of course, rotatable on rod 18 so that it can face outwardly of the bumpers or inwardly, as desired. Bracket 28 is also provided with a hole 70 so that it can be bolted onto a bumper or bumper clamp, or iron pegs 72 can be driven through such holes to hold the supports in place in stormy weather.

It is intended that each bumper can support about 35 percent of the weight of the cabin and the remaining 30 percent be supported by the roof of the vehicle through frame 20.

Frame 20 includes four members 42, forming the four sides of frame 20 and connected at their ends by bolts or by welding or by any suitable means 44. Triangular metal plates 45 are located at each corner of frame 20 and are secured to the side members 42 defining such comer, so as to produce a rigid frame 20.

Underneath frame 20 and attached to the frame are suction cups 46 adapted to rest on the roof 54 of vehicle 14. Cups 46 can be secured to frame 20 by any suitable means, such as a threaded bolt 48 secured to a nut 50 embedded in the top of cup 46.

Frame 20 carries a ring 56 which may be flat or tubular which is fixed above and on top of frame 20, by welding, bolts or other suitable fastenings. Ring 56 rests on the midpoints of each side 42 of the frame and the midpoint of each tiiangular gusset plate 45, so that it is supported at eight substantially equally spaced points, to distribute the weight carried by frame 20 evenly on the outside parts of the car top.

Spaced along the top side of ring 56 are sockets 58 in which balls 60 are received, the balls 60 being freely rotatable in sockets 58, like ball bearings.

Straps 62 may be secured to frame sides 42 so as to strap the frame to the gutter 64 usually provided along the sides of car roof 54, a clamp hook 66 being provided to engage the gutter. FIG. 6 shows the unit prior to erection. Nestled within roof 12 are two side panels and two end panels, each of which is connected to its respective side or end inside of roof 12 by means of a hinge, such as that shown in FIG. 12. As will be readily understood, the sides and ends will be unfolded in proper sequence, since the individual hinges are positioned at the proper levels inside roof 12, to achieve this object.

FIG. schematicallyshows the cabin that was folded and was on the vehicle as it is being made into a cabin. It would be resting at this point only on the supports at each end. The unit would have been turned on the carrier table with sufficient weight, also on the four caster wheels to keep all the weight from the top, and at the same time not too far off the turning table not to permit the unit to lose direction. When turned, the supports would be extended, as shown in FIG. 8, and in view of the unit now being above and free from the vehicle, the vehicle could be driven out.

The first wall to come down would be the side with the turn circle on. It could have half a floor or optionally none at all. All the walls and floor sections (if any) are loose pin hinged so the interchanges, sequence foldings, placing of door and windows can be altered to suit the outlook or to have door to door joinings if several are placed together. First to come down is 72. Next is 70. The two end walls do not overlap in the fold, so it makes little difference which comes first. However, 72 is first to come down and last to go up. Driving in or out the vehicle is easy on account of several feet wider unit on supports than the car width on each side.

On arrival at a stopping place, the means clamping the structure to the front and rear bumpers are unfastened and brackets 28 are turned about rods 18 so as to face outwardly instead of inwardly towards the vehicle 14. Pneumatic or hydraulic means may be provided to assist in the lowering and/or raising of rods 18 within tubes 16. After rods 18 have been lowered until casters 32 are positioned on the ground, pins 72 may be driven through holes 70 and into the ground to further secure the structure.

Before the weight of the structure is supported by the ground, and the vehicle 14 is driven out from under, the structure may be rotated on the vehicle roof 90, as shown in outline in FIG. 8.

Then the vehicle is driven out, if desired or the doors may be opened and curtains drawn to afford privacy. A curtain rail 90 inside of roof 12 is shown in FIG. 6, the curtain being rolled up around rail 90 when it is not in use. Other means for supporting curtains may be provided, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11, including a curtain rail 92 with a track 94, in which pins 96 from which curtain hangers 98 are suspended, to support curtains 100.

When a more substantial shelter is desired, the sidewalls 70, 72 are lowered on their hinges and then endwalls 74, 76 are lowered. One or more windows 78 may be provided in walls 70, 72, 74 or 76, one such window being shown in sidewall 72.

Wall 72 which is on the bottom of the package shown in FIG. 6 also supports a means for locating the structure properly on the frame 20. As shown, two substantially semicircular tracks 80, 82 adapted to rest on balls 60 carried on ring 56 of the frame 20. Other interfitting means may be used to insure some latitute in locating structure on frame 20. Tracks 80, 82 insure that the structure will settle onto ring 56 of frame 20 and at the same time permit turning the structure, as may be desired. The upper track 80 also acts as a water shed for the window.

It will be apparent that one or more of the supports may be outstretched to enlarge the roof cover, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10, and that the same applies to any one or more of the four walls which may be outstretched for roof cover and curtain hanging, provided that at least two or more members are supporting the unit. FIG. 13 shows a fully extended unit.

It is not necessary that the unit be transported on a car, since larger versions of the invention could be supported on a larger vehicle, for example, a bus or truck. In fact, the unit, or a plurality of units, may be packed and shipped to a campsite and erected there as individual cabins, or if connected to one another, the units could be combined into a larger cabin or hall.

Furthermore, the unit may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as follows;

I. For a simple and quickly achieved privacy when the vehicle has been stopped, each half curtain is pulled from its nesting place at the side and pulled around on the tracks until the curtains meet halfway on each side, where they may be joined by a zipper or other fastener (not shown). This will completely enclose the car and provide the full and private use of all the facilities of the car, such as radio and light and protection for sleeping on improvised beds made up on the car seats. This should take only a few minutes. Reversely, to be on the way again, the curtains are replaced and the vehicle is ready to depart.

2. After the vehicle is parked, the unit may be rotated, as shown in FIG. 8, and the two half curtains draped around the car, as in 1 above. The hood and trunk will be protruding. However, the windshield and rear and side windows will be obscured so that privacy is provided. This will permit the use of the car interior as above, but with an extra dressing place on each side. Reversely, to be on the way, the unit is returned to be in line with the vehicle top and then the curtains are replaced in the end curves.

3. When the vehicle has been stopped, the casters are lowered to apply weight to the ground. Then the unit is rotated, as shown in FIG. 8, and then the unit is raised to full height. The vehicle is driven out and the cabin is lowered and the walls are fixed in position, providing a rigid cabin that offers protection. This is not a tent or part tent. The procedure is reversed when it is time to drive the vehicle under to receive the unit.

4. After the vehicle has been parked, one or both of the supports is elevated, as shown in FIG. 10. The same curtains as used in l and 2 above can be utilized to drape around the supports as sidewalls. Canvas roof material may be carried separately. This will create a cabin with two closed additions or they may be used to provide shaded open porches.

5. After the vehicle has been parked, the unit is raised to its full height and rotated. The vehicle is then driven out from under the unit.'Then the front and back walls 70 and 72 are elevated so as to form an extra rigid roof. The roof is secured with braces or poles, providing a roof span of approximately 12 by 18 feet. The curtain material, as shown in FIG. 11, may be utilized and additional material may be provided to complete a curtain wall all around the enlarged roof. This will accomodate large groups for picnics or sleeping. This may also belusled to create a large shaded area, by parting the curtains.

c arm:

1. A shelter unit adapted to be transported to a site for erection, said unit comprising:

a roof shell;

four sidewalls nested in said roof shell, in sequence, each of said sidewalls being hingedly connected to the underside of said roof shell, and lying on one another while confined in said shell prior to erection;

means to support said shelter unit on a motor vehicle, said support means including:

front support means attached adjacent the front end of the roof shell detachably connecting said roof shell to a front portion of said motor vehicle;

rear support means attached adjacent to the rear end of the roof shell detachably connecting said roof shell to a rear portion of said motor vehicle;

means carried on the roof of said motor vehicle forsupporting said roof shell and the sidewalls therein; and

means on the lowermost of said sidewalls adapted to connect with the means carried on the roof of said motor vehicle, so that the roof shell and its contents can be rotated once said front support means and said rear support means have been detached from connection with said motor vehicle.

2. The unit of claim 1 in which the rotatable connection is a circular track carried on the lowermost of said sidewalls, said tracks mating with a circular track on the support means carried on the roof.

3. The unit of claim 1 including, in addition, at least two 

1. A shelter unit adapted to be transported to a site for erection, said unit comprising: a roof shell; four sidewalls nested in said roof shell, in sequence, each of said sidewalls being hingedly connected to the underside of said roof shell, and lying on one another while confined in said shell prior to erection; means to support said shelter unit on a motor vehicle, said support means including: front support means attached adjacent the front end of the roof shell detachably connecting said roof shell to a front portion of said motor vehicle; rear support means attached adjacent to the rear end of the roof shell detachably connecting said roof shell to a rear portion of said motor vehicle; means carried on the roof of said motor vehicle for supporting said roof shell and the sidewalls therein; and means on the lowermost of said sidewalls adapted to connect with the means carried on the roof of said motor vehicle, so that the roof shell and its contents can be rotated once said front support means and said rear support means have been detached from connection with said motor vehicle.
 2. The unit of claim 1 in which the rotatable connection is a circular track carried on the lowermost of said sidewalls, said tracks mating with a circular track on the support means carried on the roof.
 3. The unit of claim 1 including, in addition, at least two curtains carried on rollers within the ends of said roof shell.
 4. The unit of claim 1 in which the means carried on the roof of the car comprises a square frame, suction cups attaching said frame to the roof of said motor vehicle, and a metal ring fixed to the top of said frame, there being a track in said ring adapted to receive roller ball bearings.
 5. The shelter unit of claim 1 including, in addition, two half floor panels hingedly connected one each to each of the sidewalls. 